Culture clash

The New York Times today printed two articles on French women and the aging process.  The articles were focused on Parisians and how they maintain femininity and beauty while aging.  Much has been written on this topic and a lot of the observations are generalized but I do agree that the French are more concerned with feminine beauty than their American counterparts.  I think that they take the time and interest in themselves to develop a personal style.  I have visited Paris and known several French women and though they are not more physically beautiful than the average American woman, their dress and personal appearance is more feminine and stylish.
I think our culture is so sport-centered in the suburbs and schools between soccer, baseball, tennis, basketball, lacrosse and swimming that a certain femininity is lost.  Many women spend their time after work car pooling to so many events that they have no personal time. They become efficient in appearance cropping their hair short, minimal if any make-up and casual pants and tops for attire.  I doubt there is any sexy lingerie on under this "uniform" but hope so.   In fact, our country was the first to market womens' sportswear.  Being casual is fine but I think it is taken too far.  With the advent of running, many women adopted sweat suits as their everyday garb.  This has a snowball effect...if one is wearing elasticized waistbands most of the time then those few pounds creep on quickly and soon too many.  Once uncomfortable with one's weight then elasticized waistbands are a comforting refuge.
I also am surprised by the women I meet who have teenage daughters and look to them for their opinion on dressing.  I have seen this many times and it always surprises me that by a certain age one would look to a teen for advice.  This is indicative of a lack of a sense of self.
The other teen-mom dynamic that I notice is the teen become center stage.  She is the one who buys the new clothes, has the latest make-up, hairstyles and manicures while mom no longer counts and is usurped in any areas of beauty by her daughter.  It's as though mom's time is up.  Women have too many excuses..oh I never took the weight off after children, I have no time, there is only extra money for the children.  Family life should be more balanced and the mother an example not a follower.  Needless to say,  glorification of youth in our society is very unhealthy.
I do wish more American women invested in themselves and set role models for the young.  Women matter at every age. They should be attractive and sexy at every age because that reflects self-esteem.  Please put on a skirt, a little heel, great lingerie....stand erect, do your hair, wear some lipstick and feel pretty.